GOOD SPORTS: As a warmup ahead of his couture debut for Balenciaga on July 8, creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli is on a wellness kick.
In tandem with the launch of the Balenciaga Techwear line, an integral element in his sportif pre-fall 2026 collection, the Paris-based house is planning pop-ups in Paris, Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok that will be serving up smoothies, healthy juices and post-workout protein and adaptogen bars.
In addition, the Paris-based fashion house has planned full-day takeovers at Barry’s fitness studios in Los Angeles, New York City, London, Paris, Milan, Dubai, Singapore and Sydney.
Billed as a first for Barry’s, founded in West Hollywood in 1998, the partnership with Balenciaga spans customized fitness classes with special guests, curated playlists, special decor and a co-branded smoothie at the Fuel Bar.
Balenciaga smoothies for its pop-ups.
Courtesy of Balenciaga
The various activations kick off Wednesday and run until July 4.
For example, the Balenciaga Boost Pop-Up in Paris falls during men’s fashion week and will be open to the public from June 26 to 28 at 10 Place des Vosges.
Main Character is the name given to a photogenic black-and-white smoothie featuring marine collagen cubes, while Back to Life is described as an ashwagandha-infused mango matcha. Four Balenciaga-branded juices are billed as detoxifying, anti-oxidant rich, super hydrating or loaded with Vitamin C.
A rendering of the Balenciaga Boost Pop-Up in Paris.
Courtesy of Balenciaga
Piccioli’s pre-fall 2026 collection for Balenciaga felt newsy and urgent with its freewheeling blend of technical athletic wear; grand, enveloping coats, plus a surprise collaboration with the NBA.
“The vibe of reality and life,” was how Piccioli summed up the line, photographed for the look book on Paris streets, on the metro and in a grand Parisian apartment outfitted with weightlifting equipment.
The clinging technical garments, which include leggings, cropped tanks and catsuits, are made with moisture-wicking, antibacterial, high-performance fabrics, and even styles embroidered with sequins are meant to survive a sweaty yoga session or a long run.
Techwear, available on Balenciaga.com and in select stores, also includes leather windbreaker sets whose seams are stitch-free, fused with ultrasonic-welded nylon tape.
Balenciaga Techwear is part of the pre-fall 2026 collection.
Courtesy of Balenciaga
